George P. Garner, Sr., 93, of Northbrook, passed away October 2, 2016. Beloved husband of Barbara Garner nee Frake; loving father of Tom Garner, George (Laika) Garner, Jr., and Jason (Elly) Garner; cherished grandfather of Griffin, Abigail, Siri, Oscar and Frances; fond brother of the late Frances, Corrine and Penny; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.

George Garner, Sr.'s Great Depression era beginning in the San Fernando Valley of Southern CA, with mother, three siblings, and not much else, held no hint of the lifelong obsession with all things bicycle. From 1939 on, he raced 'em round dirt tracks and over the Hollywood hills, losing his front teeth and breaking a few bones along the way. A WWII stint in the Marine Corps grew him up quick, having witnessed the landing on Iwo Jima and the occupation of Nagasaki. George's love of the bicycle continued into adulthood, opening his first bike store after the war in 1947. George built his business, opening more stores. George and friends helped build a velodrome in Encino, nearly overturning a steamroller on themselves in the process. George's relationship with the Schwinn Bicycle Co. grew, bringing him not only another store in Northbrook, IL, but a lovely wife named Barb. Sales awards from the bike business weren't enough. George built his family like his business, with love and dedication, profiting in the form of three sons and five grandchildren. George never forgot his first love, the bicycle, spending hours and quite a few dollars supporting another area velodrome, this time in Northbrook, winning a few more accolades along the way. Before Father Time took away his ability to pedal, George spent every morning riding a Schwinn Airdyne to the tune of thousands of miles. And for those reading this who never had the chance to know George, you just might learn what really made him tick- by getting outside and riding a bike.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)